The South African government has said that it does not have bilateral relations with Hamas and that its stance in terms of supporting the Palestinian struggle against occupation does not equate to the support of Hamas, Al Jazeera’s Fahmida Miller reports from Johannesburg, South Africa.

South Africa does have a Hamas presence in the country.

“There are representatives from their organisation in South Africa, but South Africa has continually said that its position is one of supporting humanity, supporting the struggle against occupation,” Miller says.

“The South African Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor, just as much as she’s criticised the occupation, has said in recent days that it doesn’t detract from South Africa’s concern around Hamas’ actions on October 7 in that they targeted civilians.

“So South Africa has tried to be as balanced as it possibly can but ultimately says that it wants to defend Palestinian rights to freedom and independence,” the reporter adds.